U.S. patent number 8,627,415 [Application Number 13/362,436] was granted by the patent office on 2014-01-07 for system and method for secure commercial multimedia rental and distribution over secure connections.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sharestream, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Paul A. Kline, Sawant Nitin, Jon L. Roberts, Allan M. Weinstein, David J. Weinstein. Invention is credited to Paul A. Kline, Sawant Nitin, Jon L. Roberts, Allan M. Weinstein, David J. Weinstein.
United States Patent |
8,627,415 |
Kline , et al. |
January 7, 2014 |
System and method for secure commercial multimedia rental and
distribution over secure connections
Abstract
A method for securing intellectual property includes
establishing contact between an IP server and a client. At least
two component codes are shared and pre-stored in both the player
and the server prior to ordering the intellectual property. The IP
server accepts an order for an intellectual property product from
the client. The IP server creates a shared private key based on the
pre-stored shared component codes and an additional shared
component code at the time the intellectual property product is
ordered. The shared private key is not distributed to the player
software. The IP server encrypts the intellectual property product
with the created shared private key prior to distribution to the
client. The intellectual property product further comprises content
data and rights data in digital form. The IP server electronically
distributes the intellectual property product to the client in
encrypted form without the shared private key.
Inventors: |
Kline; Paul A. (Gaithersburg,
MD), Nitin; Sawant (Gaithersburg, MD), Weinstein; Allan
M. (Potomac, MD), Weinstein; David J. (Potomac, MD),
Roberts; Jon L. (Great Falls, VA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kline; Paul A.
Nitin; Sawant
Weinstein; Allan M.
Weinstein; David J.
Roberts; Jon L. |
Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg
Potomac
Potomac
Great Falls |
MD
MD
MD
MD
VA |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Sharestream, LLC (Washington,
DC)
|
Family
ID: |
46328890 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/362,436 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20120131328 A1 |
May 24, 2012 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
11764438 |
Jun 18, 2007 |
8131993 |
|
|
|
10155582 |
May 23, 2002 |
7233668 |
|
|
|
60293364 |
May 23, 2001 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/4; 726/6;
705/310; 713/150; 705/901; 726/7; 380/201; 713/168; 705/71;
380/255; 705/50 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
21/2543 (20130101); H04N 21/47211 (20130101); G07F
17/0014 (20130101); G06Q 20/1235 (20130101); G06Q
50/184 (20130101); G06Q 20/3829 (20130101); G06Q
30/06 (20130101); H04N 7/1675 (20130101); H04N
21/8193 (20130101); H04N 21/63345 (20130101); H04N
21/25816 (20130101); G06F 21/10 (20130101); Y10S
705/901 (20130101); Y10S 705/907 (20130101); G06F
2221/2137 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04L
9/00 (20060101); G06F 7/04 (20060101); G06F
21/00 (20130101) |
Field of
Search: |
;713/150,189,193,168
;726/2,7,27,29,4,6 ;380/201,255,258 ;705/50,71,310,901,907,911
;725/25,31 ;709/203,219 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WO 00/08909 |
|
Feb 2000 |
|
WO |
|
WO 01/13310 |
|
Feb 2001 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
Reinhard Baier, Implementation of a DSM-CC-Server for
DAVIC-Terminal, pp. 237-247, 1998. cited by examiner .
Dvorak, "Breakthrough: EPR introduces first true electronic rights
system," PR Newswire, New York, Oct. 31, 1995. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Chea; Philip
Assistant Examiner: Abedin; Shanto M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Birch, Stewart, Kolasch &
Birch, LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation application of U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/764,438 filed Jun. 18, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,131,993 which is a continuation in part application of
application Ser. No. 10/155,582 filed May 23, 2002 (now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,233,668), which claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/293,364, filed May 23, 2001. All of the
above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entireties for all purposes.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A method for securing intellectual property distributed
electronically, the method comprising: establishing contact between
an intellectual property provider server (IP server) and a client
wherein at least two component codes are shared and pre-stored in
both the player client and the IP server prior to ordering the
intellectual property; accepting an order for an intellectual
property product from the client; creating a shared private key by
the IP server based on the pre-stored shared component codes and an
additional shared component code at the time the intellectual
property product is ordered, wherein the shared private key is not
distributed to the client; encrypting the intellectual property
product with the created shared private key prior to distribution
to the client, wherein the intellectual property product further
comprises content data and rights data in digital form; and
electronically distributing the intellectual property product to
the client in encrypted form without transmitting the shared
private key to the client, wherein the shared private key is
created using a billing code, a player code, a time and date code,
and a last cookie code.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: downloading
player software from the IP server to the client.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
distributing a decryption module from the IP server to the
client.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the establishing
contact comprises: receiving a request from the client;
transmitting the at least two component codes to the client; and
storing a record of the transmitted component codes on the IP
server.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the client is one of a
device configured to play multimedia content, computer, a smart
television, an MP3 player, a VCR, a set-top box, a personal
communication device, and a satellite receiver.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the component codes
include at least one of a billing code, a player code in the form
of a player identifier, and a combination thereof.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the additional shared
component code includes at least one of a time and date code, and a
last cookie code.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the component codes
include at least one of a billing code, a player code in the form
of a player identifier, and a combination thereof.
9. An intellectual property provider server for securing
intellectual property distributed electronically, the intellectual
property provider server comprising: a storage memory device
configured to store one or more intellectual property products; and
a processor configured to establish communication over a network
with a client connected to the network to establish contact between
the intellectual property provider server and the client, at least
two component codes being shared and pre-stored in both the client
and the intellectual property provider server prior to ordering an
intellectual property product, further configured to accept an
order for the intellectual property product from the client,
further configured to create a shared private key based on the at
least two pre-stored component codes and an additional shared
component code, the shared private key not distributed to the
client, further configured to encrypt the intellectual property
product ordered by the client with the shared private key, wherein
the intellectual property product further comprises content data
and rights data in digital form, and further configured to
electronically distribute the encrypted intellectual property
product to the client without transmitting the shared private key
to the client, wherein the shared private key is created using a
billing code, a player code, a time and date code, and a last
cookie code.
10. The intellectual property provider server according to claim 9,
wherein the shared private key is created using component codes in
the form of a billing code, a player code, a time and date code,
and a last cookie code.
11. The intellectual property provider server according to claim 9,
wherein the processor if further configured to download player
software from the intellectual property provider server to the
client.
12. The intellectual property provider server according to claim 9,
wherein the processor is further configured to download a
decryption module from the intellectual property provider server to
the client.
13. The intellectual property provider server according to claim 9,
wherein the processor is configured to establish the communication
by receiving a request from the client; transmitting the at least
two component codes to the client; and storing a record of the
transmitted component codes on the intellectual property
server.
14. The intellectual property provider server according to claim 9,
wherein the additional shared component code includes at least one
of a time and date code, and a last cookie code.
15. The intellectual property provider server according to claim
14, wherein the component codes include at least one of a billing
code, a player code in the form of a player identifier, and a
combination thereof.
16. A system for storing intellectual property distributed
electronically, comprising: an intellectual property provider
server including a storage memory device configured to store
intellectual property product, and a processor configured to
establish communication over a network with a client connected to
the network to establish contact between the intellectual property
provider server and the client, at least two component codes being
shared and pre-stored in both the client and the intellectual
property provider server prior to ordering an intellectual property
product, further configured to accept an order for an intellectual
property product from the client, further configured to create a
shared private key based on the at least two pre-stored component
codes and an additional shared component code, the shared private
key not distributed to the client, further configured to encrypt
the intellectual property product ordered by the client with the
shared private key, wherein the intellectual property product
further comprises content data and rights data in digital form, and
further configured to electronically distribute the encrypted
intellectual property product to the client without transmitting
the shared private key to the client; and a second processor
included in the client, the second processor configured to create a
copy of the shared private key based on the at the least two
pre-stored component codes and not receive the shared private key
from the intellectual property server, and further configured to
decrypt the encrypted intellectual property product with said copy
of the shared private key, wherein the shared private key is
created using a billing code, a player code, a time and date code,
and a last cookie code.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the component codes
include at least one of a billing code, a player code in the form
of a player identifier, and a combination thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to distribution on demand of
multimedia content over a network, and in particular, to a system
and method for securing intellectual property rights in distributed
intellectual property.
Intellectual property such as software, games, music, video and
books (collectively, "multimedia content") are widely available
through a variety of distribution means. Increasingly, delivery is
made via a network such as the Internet. Typically, a client using
an access device that is configured to "play" multimedia content
(the access device herein referred to as a "player") connects to
the network and downloads a multimedia content file to the player.
The client pays a license fee that is set by the owner or
distributor of the multimedia content, which fee may be time or use
based. For purposes of this disclosure, "play" and "playing"
include: listen and listening to; view and viewing; play and
playing (such as an electronic game); execute and executing; and
any other form of use and using the multimedia content of the
product. A "player" is the device used for playing the work. This
"player" might be a personal computer, a set-top box used to
receive cable or satellite programming, or any number of devices
configured to play multimedia content.
While the use of the Internet as a distribution means has many
advantages, the Internet can also be used to provide unauthorized
access to intellectual property on a world-wide scale thereby
denying the owner of the property control over its use. This
unauthorized use or distribution is popularly referred to as
"piracy".
A number of approaches have been taken in an attempt to limit
piracy of multimedia content distributed over the Internet. The
most common approach is to require the client to establish an
account and a payment method with a content provider. Once the
account is established, the client orders the multimedia content
and receives the multimedia content from a remote location over the
Internet. The client then uses or plays the multimedia content
under the terms of a usage license granted to the client. The
problem with this approach is that it does not secure the
intellectual property rights of the multimedia content after
distribution to the client.
To a limited extent, this problem is addressed by using digital
watermarking to trace the original procurer of works that have been
pirated. Additionally, digital rights management (DRM), based on
digital watermark technology, limits the ability of the client to
make copies of the multimedia content and the number of times
multimedia content may be used or played. However, neither of these
approaches assures that the multimedia content is not accessed or
copied without authorization or that the owner of the multimedia
content will receive fair compensation for the use of the
multimedia content distributed over the Internet.
Encrypting the multimedia content improves the ability of the owner
to protect the multimedia content from unauthorized access and use,
provided that the imposition of key technology does not adversely
affect the client's experience in purchasing a license to use the
multimedia content. If the client is expected to pay to use or play
multimedia content, it is important that the creation and exchange
of keys be simple and reliable. Otherwise, the client may seek
alternative multimedia content or alternative sources for the
multimedia content of the owner.
What is required is an inexpensive means for protecting the
intellectual property rights of the owner of multimedia content
with a minimal amount of additional intrusions or steps affecting
the digital representation of the content.
SUMMARY
It is an aspect of various embodiments to use encryption component
codes of any type to secure the intellectual property holder's
rights when the multimedia content is delivered digitally over a
network.
Another aspect of various embodiments is to use a cipher such as
AES to encrypt multimedia content to be delivered digitally.
Yet another aspect of various embodiments is to use a cipher such
as AES to secure financial transactions between the multimedia
content provider and the client requesting digital delivery of the
multimedia content.
Still another aspect of various embodiments is to use a
cryptographic protocol such as SSL to provide initial
authentication of client and server.
Still another aspect of various embodiments is to implement the
decryption module within the player such that, at no time is
decrypted multimedia stored in a shared memory accessible by an
external process.
Still another aspect of embodiment to provide anti-piracy measures
within the multimedia content delivered digitally to a client.
It is still another aspect of embodiments to used selected portions
of multimedia content to differentiate individual copies that are
transmitted to a client.
It is still another aspect of embodiment to introduce errors into a
recording of multimedia content to uniquely identify a particular
recording thereby tracking that recording and any copies
thereof.
Another aspect of embodiment to employ a private encryption key
system in a symmetric manner to secure client data and to secure
multimedia content from unauthorized use.
A further aspect of embodiments is to limit playback of multimedia
content by virtue of time and date codes used in the private
key.
These and other aspects of the various embodiments disclosed herein
will become apparent from a review of the general and detailed
descriptions that follow. In the present invention, the digital
representation of multimedia content is encoded by the multimedia
content provider using an encryption method that relies on a
private key. In order for a client to use or play multimedia
content, the multimedia content must be decrypted by the client
using the same key used in the encryption process. Thus, the client
and the multimedia content provider share the private key.
In the present invention, the shared private key used to encrypt
and decrypt the multimedia content is constructed from component
codes that are available at the client's player. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, these component codes comprise
a billing code, a time and date code, a computer or player specific
code (which will be referred to as "computer specific code") and a
last cookie code, although the invention is not limited to such
components. Each of the components codes used to construct the
private key must be present at the client's player or the client
cannot decrypt the multimedia content.
The present invention also uses the component codes from the
client's facilities to enforce the use license. A checking
algorithm is incorporated in entitlement and control logic that is
operated by a player. The time and date component code is used with
the checking algorithm to enforce time limitations where the use
license is for a term period by allowing the entitlement and
control logic to determine if the term period of the use license
has expired.
Cookies are files stored on the client's player and are client
specific. Cookies capture data about the client, transactions with
the web server and the client's multimedia content player. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the last cookie code component
is used for both constructing the decryption key and for enforcing
utilization restrictions. In particular, the number of plays or
other conditions may be embedded in the last cookie code component.
As play occurs, the utilization count is decremented. As additional
fees are collected or playtime is otherwise awarded a client, the
utilization count is incremented. Once a count level is achieved,
as determined by the entitlement and control logic, no further use
of the program is permitted until further usage rights are
purchased by the client.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the computer
specific code is used to identify a particular player. For example,
elements specific to a player may include serial number, random
noise generated by components of the player, network address, media
access control (MAC) address, ownership name, drive volume name and
registry creation date. These elements are not meant as a
limitation but are illustrative only. Using a computer specific
code component, the decryption code can be restricted to execute
only at a single play location.
The billing code component is also used to enforce the terms of the
license. Further, an account may be established and stored within
the player and debited as the work is used.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the multimedia distribution
system.
FIG. 2 illustrates the establishment of a relationship between the
client and media content provider.
FIG. 3 illustrates the components of the client's facility and the
content provider's facility.
FIG. 4 illustrates the process for requesting multimedia
content.
FIG. 5A illustrates the process at a client's facility for playing
multimedia content received from the content provider.
FIG. 5B illustrates and alternative process for playing multimedia
content received from a content provider
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the discussion that follows, the term "client" is used to refer
to a logical component of a client-server model and to a "user" of
the client component. The disclosure has been presented so that one
skilled in the art may discern the intended meaning from the
context of the description.
Referring first to FIG. 1, the interconnectivity of the client's
facility and the content provider's facility is illustrated.
Located at a client computer 10 is a player software 12 configured
to play or use multimedia content. The client computer 10 is
connected to local storage 11 for encrypted media that is
downloaded from a content provider. As illustrated in FIG. 1, local
storage 11 is logically separated from local computer 10. In an
alternate embodiment, local storage 11 may be integrated with
client computer 10 or represent a separate file on client computer
10 where encrypted media may be stored and accessed by the player
software 12. The client computer 10 is connected to a network 20,
in this case illustrating the Internet. Also connected to the
network 20 is a "content provider" server 32 at the content
provider's facility.
By way of example and not as a limitation, a client computer 10 may
be a personal computer manufactured by IBM, Dell, or HP, a personal
data assistant (PDA), a "set-top box" used to obtain programming
from a cable or satellite service provider, a "smart" television,
or any device capable of connecting to a network and receiving and
operating the entitlement and control logic. As would be apparent
to one skilled in the art of the present invention, it is well
within the state of the art to modify currently available devices
(e.g., VCRs, MP3 players, CD players) to perform the functions of
client computer 10.
Similarly, the network depicted in FIG. 1 is the Internet, but the
invention is not so limited. The network may comprise a plurality
of interconnected networks, wired and wireless. By way of
illustration, the network could a cable-base network or a
satellite-based network or an intranet supported by a hotel or
apartment complex.
The content provider's facility has a client database 34 as well as
content database 36. The client establishes an account with the
content provider as a preliminary transaction. The client's account
data is confirmed or established and updated in the client database
34. A client's account data includes billing information and a
payment means. In the preferred embodiment the payment means is a
credit card. In another embodiment, payment is made through an ACH
transfer. In still another embodiment, the client pays an amount
into an account that is debited based on usage of multimedia
content.
The data held in client database 34 is encrypted using a shared
private key so as to secure the client's information and privacy.
The shared private key is constructed from component codes that
comprise information retrieved from the client's player software 12
and data filled in by the client. Based on this shared private key,
client data is sent encoded and secure to the content provider's
server 32. In the preferred embodiment, the shared private key is a
DES key, but this is not meant as a limitation. Updates to the
client's record, including current activity, are made at the client
database 34.
Before the client can obtain multimedia content from the content
provider, the client must be known to the content provider.
Referring to FIG. 2, the client authenticates itself with the
content provider by passing a username and password over a SSL
enabled network connection 50. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the
standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link
between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data
passed between the web server and browsers remain private and
integral. SSL is an industry standard and is used in the protection
of online transactions between clients and servers. SSL is a
generally accepted protocol developed by Netscape for transmitting
private documents via the Internet. SSL uses a cryptographic system
that uses two keys to encrypt data--a public key known to everyone
and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the
message.
In the preferred embodiment, this initial contact is made over the
network between the player software 12 and the content provider's
server 32 as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, other means may be
used for this initial contact without exceeding the scope of the
present invention. For example, the contact between the client and
the content provider may be established by telephone, email, in
writing, or other communications media. Once the initial contact is
made, the content provider presents a service agreement 52 to the
client for acceptance 54. If the terms are not acceptable to the
client, the contact is terminated 56. If the client accepts the
terms, the content provider requests client information 58. In the
preferred embodiment, client information comprises a billing code
associated with a payment means selected by the client and a
computer specific code that uniquely identifies the player software
12. In the event the client does not know the computer specific
code associated with the player software 12, the content provider
provides instructions to the client on how to determine the
computer specific code. In another embodiment of the present
invention, the content provider determines the computer specific
code of the player software 12 remotely. The client then forwards
the client information to the content provider 60 and content
provider stores the client information in the client database
62.
The content provider then sends to the client computer (see, FIG.
1, element 10) player software (see, FIG. 1, element 12) 64
comprising entitlement and control logic, an encryption/decryption
engine, a first cookie, and means to check for compliance with the
terms of the license associated with multimedia content downloaded
from the content provider's server. The client installs and
configures the player software 66 and the initial session ends.
As would be apparent to one skilled in the art of the present
invention, the steps of the initial session can be accomplished in
a variety of ways. For example, the exchange of identity
information and the delivery of the player software may be
conducted off-line. The player software may be integrated in the
player or purchased at a software retailer. The player software may
be distributed free to consumers by the content provider as a means
of inviting consumers to use the services of the content provider.
These and other variations means of implementing the initial
session are considered within the scope of the present
invention.
With the player software installed and configured, the client
computer 10 is ready to make a request for multimedia content.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the requested multimedia content is
stored on the content provider's server database 36. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the media content is stored in
an encoded, compressed form. One such compression/decompression
protocol is MPEG (Moving Pictures Experts Group), which protocol
applies to audio/visual works. A common derivative of MPEG for
audio works is MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3). MP3 allows the download of
quality audio from the Web very quickly. Works that are not
audio/visual such as text may be compressed and decompressed by a
number of commercially available programs such as WinZip.TM. and
PKZip.TM.. It will be clear to those skilled in the art of the
present invention that other compression protocols can be used all
of which are within the scope of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the player software (see, FIG. 1, element
12) includes a decryption module 102 and a decoder 118. For added
security the decryption and decoder modules will run with in the
same operating system (OS) process. Additionally, the decrypted
multimedia bits will not be stored in a shared memory location
which can be accessed by another process. For each encoding scheme
implemented by the content provider's facility, the client computer
(see, FIG. 1, element 10) will have a decoder capable of decoding
the multimedia content so as to render it playable by the player
software (see, FIG. 1, element 12).
Referring next to FIG. 3, the component codes of the shared private
key at the content provider's facility and the component codes at
the client's facility are illustrated. The multimedia content is
encrypted with an encryption engine 202 using a unique private
shared key associated with the player software 12 and client data.
By way of illustration and not as a limitation, the shared key may
utilize an encryption algorithm as specified by DES, AES, RC2, RC4,
Blowfish just to name a few. As illustrated in FIG. 3, four
elements are available to both the player and the content
provider's server to construct the private shared key: billing code
110/210; time and date code 112/212; computer specific code
114/214; and last cookie code 116/216. The computer specific code
and the billing code were shared by the client and the service
provider during the initial contact illustrated in FIG. 2. The last
cookie code is the cookie delivered to the player with the most
recent delivery of multimedia content. If the client has not
previously requested any multimedia content, the last cookie code
is the initial cookie included in the player software installed on
the player. The time and date code is chosen by the client at the
time that multimedia content is ordered. Thus, all four codes are
known to the client and the content provider at the time an order
is completed. As will be illustrated below, these four codes are
used to create a shared private key that in turn is used to encrypt
the media content prior to delivery to the player.
Client and multimedia databases 204 comprise the client information
and the inventory of media that can be distributed (see FIG. 1,
elements 34, 36).
The server software 208 comprises multiple elements to affect the
system functions. For example, the server software 208 creates the
shared keys based on elements 210, 212, 214, and 216. It also
provides to the client's facility 100 the player software 107 that
allows the client to decrypt and play media in accordance with the
digital rights given to the client from the content provider's
facility 200. The server software 208 also comprises software 206
that allows the communication between the client facility 100 and
the content provider's facility 200 to initially exchange
information to establish the client's ability to access media and
later for the client to actually request media to be
downloaded.
Entitlement control logic 105 of the player software 107 comprises
instructions for determining the digital rights that are afforded
to a client regarding the media that is downloaded from the server.
For example, the client may be limited in the number of times the
media may be viewed or the period of time in which the media may be
viewed (i.e. date range for example.)
Referring now to FIG. 4, the client computer requests multimedia
content from the content provider 300. The content provider
requests login information from the client computer 305 and the
client computer responds. The content provider checks the
information provided by the client computer 310 and determines if
the content provider knows the client. If not, the content provider
again requests login information from the client. In the preferred
embodiment, this loop is limited by a login attempt counter that
allows the client a pre-determined number of attempts before the
content provider sends additional instructions to the client
computer.
Upon successful login by the client computer, the content provider
requests the last cookie code from the client computer 315. In the
preferred embodiment, the last cookie code is used to authenticate
the client computer and to create a shared key. The client computer
provides the content provider the last cookie code 320 and the
content provider requests the client computer to order media
content 325. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art of the
present invention, the request to order media content can take many
forms without exceeding the scope of the present invention. For
example, and not as a limitation, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the content provider provides the client computer with a
menu of media content. In another embodiment, the client is
instructed to search the content provider's media database for
content of a specific title.
The client selects media content for download 330 and reviews the
license terms associated with that selection 335. If the terms of
the license are not acceptable, the client is requested to select
again. If the terms are acceptable, the client orders the media
content and sends the content provider a time and date code 340.
The time and date code establish a point in time that is used to
determine the expiration of a time-based license. The time and date
code is associated with each selection of media content downloaded
by the client at a particular ordering session and is stored in the
client database.
The content provider creates a shared private key from the four
component codes known to both the content provider and the client
computer 345. As previously discussed, at time the order is made,
the client computer possesses the computer specific code, the last
cookie code, the billing code and the time and date code. During
the initial session, the content provider received the billing code
and the computer specific code from the client computer. The
content provider knows the last cookie code. Upon receipt of the
time and date code from the client computer, the content provider
is in possession of all four of the component codes. From these
component codes, a private key is "shared" by the client computer
and by the content provider without actually exchanging the private
key.
The content provider encrypts the media content using the shared
private key, creates a new cookie, and sends the cookie and the
encrypted media content to the client computer 350. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the client is offered the
option of having the media content delivered a later date or a
specific time. If delivery is for a future time, the order data is
stored in the client database. When delivery time arrives, the
content provider's server checks for a link with the specific
client's facility. If a link is not in place, notice is sent to the
client computer to start a link.
The client computer receives the media content, associates it with
the time and date code provided to the content provider during the
ordering session, and stores the media content, date code, the new
cookie 355. At this point, the client computer is ready to play the
media content via the player software that was previously
downloaded.
Referring to FIG. 5A, the playing of the media content is
illustrated. When the client elects to play the media content 400,
the client invokes the player software. The player software creates
the client's copy of the shared private key 405 from the same four
component codes used by the content provider to create the key. The
player software then decrypts the media content using the shared
private key 410 and the player software checks to determine if the
client is in compliance with the license terms 415.
As noted previously, the player software includes a checking
algorithm incorporated in entitlement and control logic. In another
embodiment, the specific checking algorithm for a particular title
of media content is appended to the multimedia content and
installed as a plug-in for use by the player software. The checking
algorithm utilizes the individual component codes to enforce
specific license restrictions imposed on the playing of the
multimedia content (time of use, number of plays) and on the player
on which the multimedia content is played (where illicit copies of
the multimedia content are non-playable on other than the
designated player). If the checking algorithm determines that the
client is not in compliance with the license terms, a message is
displayed to the client 420. For example, a client who has pre-paid
for usage of media content may not have sufficient funds to play
the media content. In this case, the message directs the client to
replenish his or her account. If the checking algorithm determines
that the copy of the media content has been pirated, the message
takes the form of a warning relating to the unauthorized use of the
media content.
The time and date code 112 component of the private key code
identifies the time and date the order for the multimedia content
was made. One embodiment uses the last cookie code 116 in
conjunction with the time and date code 112 component. Information
may include time and date of the multimedia content download, terms
of the use license and unique device data such as Internet address.
The use license time limitation data can be found in the cookie and
is used, in conjunction with the time and date code and the
entitlement and control logic, to restrict playing of the
multimedia content to the contractual time period.
The cookie code can also be used to check the user id and Internet
protocol (IP) address to confirm that the multimedia content is
being played on the device that is licensed to play the multimedia
content. These data are readily available in the last cookie data
returned to the content provider during the ordering process.
A pay per play license may be controlled through the billing code
110 component of the private key. The billing code 110 contains
information about a payment method. In the preferred embodiment,
the payment method is a credit card, but the invention is not so
limited. In another embodiment, the payment method is an ACH
transfer from a bank account. In yet another embodiment, a pre-paid
account is established containing a credit amount with the billing
code. An alternative embodiment establishes a pre-paid account in
the cookie file. Before the multimedia content is decrypted, the
credit account is checked using the entitlement and control logic
to confirm there is sufficient reserve to pay the license fee
associated with the multimedia content. The license fee is
subtracted from the credit amount in accordance with the payment
scheme of the license. By way of illustration, where the license
fee is time based, the credit amount is decremented for each time
unit the multimedia content is played. Where the license fee is
used based, the credit amount is decremented each time the
multimedia content is played.
If the client is in compliance with the terms of the license, the
media content is decrypted and played on the player software 425
and time and/or the completion of a play cycle is recorded 435. The
client is asked if a replay is desired 440. If replay is desired,
checking algorithm again determines if the client is in compliance
with the license terms 415. If replay is not desired, the client is
asked if he or she want to play another selection of media content
445. If another selection is desired, the process begins again 400.
If not, play is ended at 450. The player software does not permit
storage of the decrypted media. Thus when media is initially
downloaded for later playback, the media is stored in encrypted
format. Thus an alternate process for playback is for the player
software to first determine in the client is in compliance with
license terms and conditions. If this is the case, the player
software will then create the necessary keys and decrypt the
encrypted media for viewing the client's display screen.
For example, referring to FIG. 5B, an alternate playback process is
illustrated. In this process the client elects to play the stored
and encrypted media 400. The player software is invoked and
determines if the client is in compliance with the license terms
415. This can be established since the player software keeps track
of the number of times the media has been played and other
restrictions on playback. If the user is not in compliance, the
player displays an appropriate instruction to the client for
display 420 such as denial of playback or other instructions for
retrieving the desired media.
If the client is in compliance with license terms, the player
software then creates the shared private key 405 decrypts the
content 410 and plays the media 425. The player software then
records the time or number of replays or other restrictive data for
later permissions. The process then continues according to the
description of FIG. 5A.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the anti-piracy
aspects of the present invention are enhanced by introducing
additional data elements into the multimedia content. By
introducing the additional data elements into selected bytes or
tracks of the multimedia content, the error correction schemes
associated with playback of multimedia content will preclude the
additional data elements from affecting the play of the multimedia
content. By associating a particular set of additional data
elements with the multimedia content distributed to a particular
client, the additional data elements can be used as a "fingerprint"
to identify the source of pirated copies of the multimedia
content.
A system and method for multimedia content rental and distribution
system that protects the intellectual property rights of the holder
using unique data from the player has now been illustrated. It is
important to note that while a particular utilization of the
specific DES private key component codes were described in the
preferred embodiment, this is not meant as a limitation. For
example decryption may be done with other combinations of the
private key component codes or other elements associated with the
player. There may be different component codes, not described here,
used to develop the private key. Other encryption algorithms also
exist now such as RC2, RC4, Blowfish and a host of others both
existing now and in the future that will satisfy the requirements
for encrypting and decrypting the multimedia content. The present
invention would be equally effective with any subset of component
codes comprising the encryption-decryption private key. Further,
while multimedia content is discussed, this is also not meant as a
limitation. For example, single media such as audio alone, video
alone, non-moving text and graphics are also deemed to be within
the scope of the invention as disclosed. When the present invention
is used with such material, enhanced protection can be obtained for
musical recordings, reports, graphics and artwork as well. It will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the present
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the scope of the invention disclosed and that the examples and
embodiments described herein are in all respects illustrative and
not restrictive. Those skilled in the art of the present invention
will recognize that other embodiments using the concepts described
herein are also possible. Further, any reference to claim elements
in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," or
"the" is not to be construed as limiting the element to the
singular.
* * * * *